About

Ouarzazate is a city located in the heart of Morocco, south of the High Atlas. Also called “Desert door”, it is a very important tourist center in Morocco. The Atlas Mountains near Ouarzazate are home to many Berber villages where traditional lifestyles and customs have been preserved. It is possible to go on a walking tour to explore these villages and learn more about the Berber and Jewish people who live there.

One village that is particularly interesting to visit is Ait Benhaddou, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This village is known for its traditional architecture and is home to both Berber and Jewish communities who live together in harmony.

During the walking tour, you can explore the narrow streets and alleyways of the village and see the traditional houses made of adobe and mud bricks. You can also visit the ancient Kasbah, which is a fortified citadel that was once used to protect the village from invaders.

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Berber and Jewish cemeteries, where you can see how the two communities have their own unique burial practices and traditions. You can also learn about the different customs and beliefs that are important to both communities.

Overall, a walking tour of the Atlas Mountains near Ouarzazate is a great way to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Berber and Jewish communities who live in this region. You can learn about their history, traditions, and way of life, and gain a deeper understanding of the unique culture and customs of this fascinating part of Morocco.

Here’s what you can expect:

Itinerary

Day 1

We organize daily walking tours to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate from Marrakech.
Here are the details:

Departure

Departure from your accommodation at 9:00 am.
The driver picks you up from your hotel or Riad.

Along the way

Along the road to Ouarzazate, we will have many stops:

We will cross the Tichka Pass (2260 meters: the highest pass in Morocco)

You will see many Berber villages.

You will see fortified houses built of mud, known as “Kasbah” and fortified villages are known as “Kssar”.

On the road, several stops for photos and a visit of a cooperative of Argan oil.

Arrival

Once you arrive, there are some of the top things to see and do in Ouarzazate:

Arrival at Kasbah Telouet, a historic fortress located in the High Atlas Mountains. It was built in the 18th and 19th centuries as the residence of the powerful Glaoui family, who were feudal lords and rulers of the region. The Kasbah is known for its stunning architecture and intricate decorations, which blend traditional Moroccan and European styles.
Continue the road to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou(It is a fortified village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination), a stop to explore the famous Kasbah with several buildings and houses made of clay and straw, surrounded by high walls that are reinforced with corner towers with traditional restaurants, shops, and panoramic view.
After the visit: Take lunch at a restaurant of your choice.
Continue the road to your accommodation with a couscous dinner.

Day 2

Get up early to be able to listen to the silence and the voices of the birds outside.
After a Berber breakfast, you will have the opportunity to take a guided tour

continue to walk through the village, we’ll see the Berber people in their daily lives, their traditional clothes, and ornaments. We can also visit a The Jewish quarter of the village wish is home to a small community of Jews. We’ll learn about their culture and customs, and see the cemetery, and other heritage sites.
A tea break in the Berber house of your guide.
Hiking in the mountains: We’ll take a short hike in the Atlas Mountains to reach the old caves, which are said to have been inhabited by humans as far back as 2,000 years ago. We’ll see ancient rock paintings and engravings, and learn about the history and geology of the area.
Return to the Kasbah (your accommodation).

Note: This walking tour is just a suggestion, and your guide can customize the itinerary to suit your interests and fitness level. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay hydrated during the trek.

Return

Return to Marrakech from your accommodation around 4 pm to 5 pm.
The driver will wait for you in the car until the return time.

Package

1 Person

225.00€

3 Persons

180.00€/person

4 Persons

150.00€/person

Round trip

370 Km

Duration: 1 Day

– Start at 08 am -09 am
– Finish at 6 pm-7 pm.

Included

Travelling in air-conditioned vehicle
An english speaking experienced driver
Accommodation with dinner and breakfast.
The guide Atlas.
Guide in the Casbah Ait Benhaddou.